Team Singapore’s Memorable Paralympics Moments

Team Singapore’s Memorable Paralympics Moments

Paralympic gold medallist swimmer Yip Pin Xiu.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games were filled with unforgettable moments that inspired its viewers and participants alike. Among the 10 Paralympians representing Singapore, four were making their debut, while six were Paralympic veterans including multi-time gold medallist Yip Pin Xiu who won two more gold medals at this Paralympics, in the Women’s 50m Backstroke S2 and 100m Backstroke S2 events. To date, the four-time Paralympian has clinched five gold medals and one silver medal from three Paralympic Games.

Yip Pin Xiu
“Being able to hear Majulah Singapura ring out at the Tokyo Aquatic Centre twice, were definitely the most memorable moments for me,” Pin Xiu shared with Here to Play. “The first time round, it was so emotional that I couldn’t hold back my tears. After returning to the Paralympic Village, my phone was buzzing for a few days as I received many congratulatory messages. Many people told me that they shared that moment with me and that was very touching.”

She also shared that she is very grateful to have been able to compete and win, despite the uncertainty of recent years. “To me, it feels very special because we’ve learnt to adapt in the face of uncertainty and I think with Singapore cheering me on, it’s been really amazing. To be able to defend my two titles, won at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, is a dream come true,” she added. “I, too, have learnt to be adaptable and to be in control of what I can control. With no competitions in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, I didn’t know how fast my competitors were and I couldn’t get a gauge of where I stood.”

With little knowledge of her competition, Pin Xiu concentrated on her stroke rate, recovery and mental wellbeing. She shared that with the help of her team and coach, she worked hard at what she needed to do in order to swim at the highest level. For now, Pin Xiu will be taking a short break to spend time with family and friends, but not for long as she will soon begin preparing for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

“I’ve been doing this for so many years now, but I still feel excited about it, and I hope to continue to make Singapore proud at the highest level.”

Para-equestrian Maximillian Tan and his horse, Don’s Day Dream.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE

Maximillian Tan
“The years, months and weeks leading up to the Paralympics were shrouded in uncertainty,” shared equestrian athlete Maximillian Tan but that uncertainty melted away when he arrived in Tokyo.“My most memorable moment is actually arriving at the Paralympic Village in the wee hours of the morning on 20th Aug 2021. It was then that reality hit; that the Paralympics was happening and I was there.”

Maximillian was not able to train with his horse for almost a year and a half before the 2020 Paralympics, and he was only able to train for just a few weeks before the Games. “I headed into the games expecting that my results might not be the best, but I was committed to perform at my best despite the lack of preparation,’ said Maximillian. “I placed my trust in my coach and my partner. The outcome was not far from realistic expectations, but it boosted my belief in teamwork and my trust in my team members.”

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games was the final Games where Don’s Day Dream (nicknamed “Dreamy”) and Maximillian raced as one. “My horse, Dreamy, is retiring. Dreamy is way past the usual competition age. In fact, she came out of retirement at 20 years of age, earning her the distinction of being the oldest participating horse at this Paralympics,” he said with pride.

Maximillian hopes to find a suitable new horse in time for the qualifying rounds of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

Singaporean cyclist Steve Tee (left) and his pilot, Ang Kee Meng.
PHOTO: SPORT SINGAPORE

Steve Tee
25th August 2021. Paralympian Steve Tee shares this day is forever burned in his memory.

“On that day, my pilot, Ang Kee Meng, and I hit our target of breaking our personal best, and we made it to the top 10. We improved our personal best timing by 7 seconds, set a new national record and placed 9th in our main event,” Steve reminisced with pride.

Steve and Kee Meng had crashed just four days before their Paralympic debut, when their front tyre burst during a warm-up session. However, the duo, who have been cycling together since 2017, pushed on and competed in their tandem para-cycling events despite their injuries.

When asked about his journey to the Paralympics as a first-time Paralympian, Steve had this to say: “Do not allow setbacks to hold you back, bounce back from your setbacks and make a comeback.”

Steve divulges that he is now taking a short break, but it won’t be long before we see him back in action soon, as the team will start preparations for upcoming competitions imminently.

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